FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

Removal instructions for the SimpleCache adware-type application

Also Known As: Ads by SimpleCache
Type: Mac Virus
Damage level: Medium

What kind of application is SimpleCache?

Our research team discovered the SimpleCache app while investigating submissions to the VirusTotal website. After analyzing this piece of software, we learned that it is adware from the AdLoad malware family. SimpleCache runs intrusive ad campaigns and may have additional harmful capabilities.

SimpleCache adware

SimpleCache adware overview

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It enables the placement of third-party graphical content (e.g., overlays, pop-ups, coupons, banners, etc.) on visited websites and/or other interfaces.

Note that certain conditions may be required for adware to operate as designed (e.g., compatible browser/system or user geolocation, visits to specific sites, etc.). However, even if SimpleCache does not display ads – it remains a threat to device/user safety.

Adware-delivered advertisements commonly promote online scams, untrustworthy/hazardous software, and malware. Some can be triggered (i.e., by being clicked) to execute scripts that perform stealthy downloads/installations.

It is pertinent to mention that while genuine products and services may be encountered through these adverts – they are unlikely to be endorsed by any official parties. It is most probable that this endorsement is undertaken by scammers who abuse the content's affiliate programs in order to obtain illegitimate commissions.

Furthermore, AdLoad adware often has browser-hijacking capabilities – however, we did not observe these functionalities while investigating the SimpleCache application.

What is more, advertising-supported software usually collects sensitive user data, and this might be true of SimpleCache. Targeted information can include: browsing and search engine histories, Internet cookies, usernames/passwords, personally identifiable details, finance-related data, etc. The gathered information can be monetized via sale to third-parties.

In summary, software like SimpleCache may cause system infections, serious privacy issues, financial losses, and identity theft.

Threat Summary:
Name Ads by SimpleCache
Threat Type Adware, Mac malware, Mac virus
Detection Names Avast (MacOS:AdAgent-L [Adw]), Combo Cleaner (Gen:Variant.Adware.MAC.Adload.17), ESET-NOD32 (A Variant Of OSX/Adware.Synataeb.H), Kaspersky (Not-a-virus:HEUR:AdWare.OSX.Adload.j), Full List (VirusTotal)
Additional Information This application belongs to Adload malware family.
Symptoms Your Mac becomes slower than normal, you see unwanted pop-up ads, you are redirected to dubious websites.
Distribution methods Deceptive pop-up ads, free software installers (bundling), torrent file downloads.
Damage Internet browser tracking (potential privacy issues), display of unwanted ads, redirects to dubious websites, loss of private information.
Malware Removal (Mac)

To eliminate possible malware infections, scan your Mac with legitimate antivirus software. Our security researchers recommend using Combo Cleaner.
▼ Download Combo Cleaner for Mac
To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Adware examples

ProfessionalViewExpandedControl, and ResolutionRanking are but a few examples of adware we have investigated recently.

Software within this classification typically appears ordinary and harmless. It also offers a broad range of useful features. However, these functions seldom work as promised, and in most cases – they do not work at all.

Keep in mind that even if an application or a browser extension operates as indicated by its promotional material – that is not irrefutable proof of either legitimacy or safety.

How did SimpleCache install on my computer?

Adware is endorsed on legitimate-looking download pages and scam websites. Most users enter these webpages via redirects generated by sites utilizing rogue advertising networks, spam browser notifications, misspelled URLs, intrusive ads, or installed adware (with browser force-opening abilities).

Advertising-supported software can also be bundled with regular programs. Downloading from untrustworthy channels (e.g., freeware and free file-hosting websites, P2P sharing networks, etc.) and treating installations with negligence (e.g., ignoring terms, using "Quick/Easy" settings, etc.) – increase the risk of unintentionally permitting access for bundled content into the system.

Additionally, adware is spread by intrusive adverts. Once clicked on, some of these advertisements can execute scripts to perform downloads/installations without user permission.

How to avoid installation of adware?

We strongly recommend researching software and downloading it only from official/verified sources. Installation processes must be treated with caution. Therefore, we advise reading terms, inspecting available options, using the "Custom/Advanced" settings, and opting out of all additional apps, extensions, tools, features, etc.

Another recommendation is to be careful while browsing since fake and malicious online content typically appears legitimate and harmless. For example, intrusive ads may look ordinary and innocuous – however, they redirect to highly questionable websites (e.g., gambling, scam-promoting, adult dating, pornography, etc.).

If you keep encountering adverts/redirects of this kind, check the device and immediately remove all dubious applications and browser extensions/plug-ins. If your computer is already infected with SimpleCache, we recommend running a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus for macOS to automatically eliminate this adware.

Pop-up window displayed once SimpleCache adware's installation is over:

Pop-up displayed once SimpleCache installation is complete

SimpleCache adware's installation folder:

SimpleCache adware install folder

Instant automatic Mac malware removal: Manual threat removal might be a lengthy and complicated process that requires advanced IT skills. Combo Cleaner is a professional automatic malware removal tool that is recommended to get rid of Mac malware. Download it by clicking the button below:
▼ DOWNLOAD Combo Cleaner for Mac By downloading any software listed on this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.

Quick menu:

Video showing how to remove SimpleCache adware using Combo Cleaner:

SimpleCache adware removal:

Remove SimpleCache-related potentially unwanted applications from your "Applications" folder:

Manual removal of malicious Mac applications

Click the Finder icon. In the Finder window, select "Applications". In the applications folder, look for "MPlayerX","NicePlayer", or other suspicious applications and drag them to the Trash.

After removing the potentially unwanted application(s) that cause online ads, scan your Mac for any remaining unwanted components.

Remove adware-related files and folders

Mac Go To Folder step

Click the Finder icon, from the menu bar. Choose Go, and click Go to Folder...

Mac removing related files and folders - step 1Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: /Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 2Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/Application Support/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/Application Support/

Mac go to /Library/Application Support - step 2

In the "Application Support" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious folders. For example, "MplayerX" or "NicePlayer", and move these folders to the Trash.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 3Check for adware generated files in the ~/Library/LaunchAgents/ folder:

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 1

In the Go to Folder... bar, type: ~/Library/LaunchAgents/

Mac go to ~/Library/LaunchAgents - step 2

In the "LaunchAgents" folder, look for any recently-added suspicious files and move them to the Trash. Examples of files generated by adware - "installmac.AppRemoval.plist", "myppes.download.plist", "mykotlerino.ltvbit.plist", "kuklorest.update.plist", etc. Adware commonly installs several files with the exact same string.

Mac removing related files and folders - step 4Check for adware generated files in the /Library/LaunchDaemons/ folder:

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 1

In the "Go to Folder..." bar, type: /Library/LaunchDaemons/

Mac go to /Library/LaunchDaemons - step 2

In the "LaunchDaemons" folder, look for recently-added suspicious files. For example "com.aoudad.net-preferences.plist", "com.myppes.net-preferences.plist", "com.kuklorest.net-preferences.plist", "com.avickUpd.plist", etc., and move them to the Trash.

Mac removing malware related files and folders - step 5Scan your Mac with Combo Cleaner:

If you have followed all the steps correctly, your Mac should be clean of infections. To ensure your system is not infected, run a scan with Combo Cleaner Antivirus. Download it HERE. After downloading the file, double click combocleaner.dmg installer. In the opened window, drag and drop the Combo Cleaner icon on top of the Applications icon. Now open your launchpad and click on the Combo Cleaner icon. Wait until Combo Cleaner updates its virus definition database and click the "Start Combo Scan" button.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 1

Combo Cleaner will scan your Mac for malware infections. If the antivirus scan displays "no threats found" - this means that you can continue with the removal guide; otherwise, it's recommended to remove any found infections before continuing.

Mac remove malware with Combo Cleaner - step 2

After removing files and folders generated by the adware, continue to remove rogue extensions from your Internet browsers.

Remove malicious extensions from Internet browsers

Safari iconRemove malicious Safari extensions:

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 1

Open the Safari browser, from the menu bar, select "Safari" and click "Preferences...".

Removal of malicious extensions in Safari - step 2

In the preferences window, select "Extensions" and look for any recently-installed suspicious extensions. When located, click the "Uninstall" button next to it/them. Note that you can safely uninstall all extensions from your Safari browser - none are crucial for regular browser operation.

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Safari.

Google Chrome logoRemove malicious extensions from Google Chrome:

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 1

Click the Chrome menu icon Google Chrome menu icon (at the top right corner of Google Chrome), select "More Tools" and click "Extensions". Locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, select these entries and click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Google Chrome - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Google Chrome.

Mozilla Firefox logoRemove malicious extensions from Mozilla Firefox:

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 1

Click the Firefox menu firefox menu icon (at the top right corner of the main window) and select "Add-ons and themes". Click "Extensions", in the opened window locate all recently-installed suspicious extensions, click on the three dots and then click "Remove".

Removal of malicious extensions in Mozilla Firefox - step 2

  • If you continue to have problems with browser redirects and unwanted advertisements - Reset Mozilla Firefox.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What harm can adware cause?

Adware can diminish the browsing experience and system performance. It displays advertisements that promote harmful content capable of causing serious problems (e.g., system infections, privacy issues, financial losses, etc.). The software itself is classed as a privacy threat, as it usually has data-tracking functionalities.

What does adware do?

Adware stands for advertising-supported software. It operates by enabling the placement of third-party graphical content (advertisements) on visited websites and/or other interfaces. Additionally, some adware types are also capable of force-opening sites and gathering private data.

How do adware developers generate revenue?

Adware developers profit predominantly via affiliate programs by endorsing content (e.g., websites, software, products, services, etc.).

Will Combo Cleaner remove SimpleCache adware?

Yes, Combo Cleaner will scan your device and eliminate detected adware-type apps. Keep in mind that manual removal (unaided by security programs) might not be a perfect solution. In some cases, various file leftovers remain hidden within the system after the software has been manually removed. Furthermore, the remaining components may continue to run and cause issues. Therefore, thorough adware removal is paramount.

▼ Show Discussion

About the author:

Tomas Meskauskas

Tomas Meskauskas - expert security researcher, professional malware analyst.

I am passionate about computer security and technology. I have an experience of over 10 years working in various companies related to computer technical issue solving and Internet security. I have been working as an author and editor for pcrisk.com since 2010. Follow me on Twitter and LinkedIn to stay informed about the latest online security threats. Contact Tomas Meskauskas.

PCrisk security portal is brought by a company RCS LT. Joined forces of security researchers help educate computer users about the latest online security threats. More information about the company RCS LT.

Our malware removal guides are free. However, if you want to support us you can send us a donation.

About PCrisk

PCrisk is a cyber security portal, informing Internet users about the latest digital threats. Our content is provided by security experts and professional malware researchers. Read more about us.

Malware activity

Global malware activity level today:

Medium threat activity

Increased attack rate of infections detected within the last 24 hours.

QR Code
Ads by SimpleCache QR code
Scan this QR code to have an easy access removal guide of Ads by SimpleCache on your mobile device.
We Recommend:

Get rid of Mac malware infections today:

▼ REMOVE IT NOW
Download Combo Cleaner for Mac

Platform: macOS

Editors' Rating for Combo Cleaner:
Editors ratingOutstanding!

[Back to Top]

To use full-featured product, you have to purchase a license for Combo Cleaner. Limited seven days free trial available. Combo Cleaner is owned and operated by Rcs Lt, the parent company of PCRisk.com read more.